How to Explain Zoom to a Three-Year-Old

Ann Gadzikowski

Families and schools are turning to video chats and online meetings for learning and social connection because of the COVID-19 crisis. Yet young children are often confused by these sophisticated technologies. We offer some suggestions for how parents can talk with their little ones to help them begin to understand what they are seeing and hearing.

Video conferencing platforms are having a moment. Zoom, GoToMeeting, Google Meet, Skype, and others are now almost as common in American households as salt and pepper. Even preschoolers are getting a taste of video conferencing. While there is truly no online equivalent to preschool, many early childhood professionals are using virtual communication tools to try to sustain important social connections between young children and their friends and teachers while schools are closed for in-person learning.

While some young children are fascinated, amused, and comforted by seeing familiar faces on the screen, many are confused, at least initially, by this complex technology. Many parents in my community are reporting that their children sometimes cry or become agitated when they participate in video meetings with their preschool friends and teachers. It’s no wonder that children are confused by these very complex technologies. For example, many young children are not able to tell the difference between a “live” video interaction and a prerecorded video clip. It’s very difficult for the little ones to understand when and if the other video chat participants can see and hear them.

To support parents of young children, we offer some suggested language, phrases, and definitions to use when explaining technology. Keep in mind that some young children may simply not be ready for virtual experiences. Others will need time, patience, and practice to become comfortable with these new experiences.

Suggested Definitions and Explanations

The Computer

This device (name the phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) has a computer inside of it. A computer is a very complicated machine that can do many things.

The Camera

A camera is part of this device. The camera can take pictures and make videos. The camera is like the eyes of the computer.

(Show your child where the “eye” of the camera is located on the device.)

The Microphone

This device has a microphone. The microphone is where the sound goes in. The microphone is like the ears of a computer.

(Show your child where the microphone is located on the device. If you’re not sure, look it up online. For example, search for “microphone location on iPad.”)

The Speaker

This device has a speaker. The speaker is where the sound comes out. The speaker is like the mouth of the computer.

(Again, show your child where the speaker is located on the device and, if you don’t know, look it up!)

How Computers Work

Computers can talk to each other. Computers send invisible signals to each other through the air. When you send a message or video to someone else, the computers are talking to each other.

The Difference Between Live and Recorded

A live video is something that is happening right now. You are seeing it live, like you’re looking through a little window. Sometimes the computer will let you have a conversation with the other person when the video is live.

A recorded video is something that is already made. It’s like a movie you watch on TV. The people on the screen can’t see or hear you.

When Things Go Wrong

Sometimes technology works and sometimes it doesn’t. Computers are very complicated machines. Sometimes we can figure out what’s wrong and fix it and sometimes we have to just wait and try again later.

Acknowledge and Name Feelings

Children will likely benefit from these simple explanations, especially those who are naturally curious about how things work. If children are confused or upset by their online experiences, they also need their parents and caregivers to acknowledge their feelings and help them find words to describe their strong emotions. Acknowledge that Zoom meetings are just not the same as going to school and that it’s normal to feel sad or even mad about having to stay home. For example, acknowledge that “Sometimes seeing our friends on the screen reminds us of how much we miss them.” Young children should not be forced to participate in video classroom meetings but for many, these virtual experiences will help sustain their social and emotional connection to their school community.